The weekend didn’t start well for Kwanda Mokoena as a dismal qualifying session placed him 8th on the grid for the first MSA Academy (OKJ) race of the year.

This did not however discourage the 2017 Mini Rok champion who was determined for a good showing at Laserfiche Raceway.

Kwanda had a fantastic start to the first race, finding himself in a huge tussle for third and on the seventh lap, he made his move and took the position. Things however went awry resulting in contact between the two competitors and Kwanda retired with a damaged kart. His lap time placed him sixth on the grid for the second race.

Again, Kwanda was lightning fast on the start, slicing his way to the front of the pack. He drove a hard fought race to take the chequered flag in second place.

The final race of the day saw some no holds barred racing. Towards the end of the first lap, Kwanda was in a three way fight for the lead when he was pushed off the circuit.

The safest place for him to re-join the track, resulted in some controversy as it was back out in the lead. The problem, it cut out a corner. Kwanda made the split second decision to put his head down and complete the race with as much lead as possible, knowing he may face a penalty later on. He took the chequered flag in first place.

As expected, Kwanda was later issued with a time penalty which eliminated any advantage he may have gained. He had however done enough for this penalty to only relegate him to second place.

Kwanda has shown that he has the pace to run at the front of this field and is certain to be a title contender.

Published by: Michelle Segalla

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